Pneumatic-spoke wheel.



PATENTED SEPT. 17, 19o?.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

A. H. THIBAULT. PNEUMATIC SPKE WHEEL.

LPPLITION FILED 00T.13, 1905.

Qizzz No. 866,537. TATENTED SEPT. 17, 1907. A. H.. THIBAULT. PNEUMATIG STOKE WHEEL.

APPLICATION FILED 0UT.13. 1905.l

-' `asHE-s. T2.

PATBNTED SEPT.17, 1907.

A. H. THIBAULT. PNEUMATIG SPOKBWHEEL.

APPLICATION FILED 0011.13. 1905.

UN ITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ARTHUER H. THIBAULT, OF VALPARAISO, INDIANA.

PNEUMATIC-SPOICE WHEEL.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Sept. 1'7, 1907.

Application filed October 13, 1905. Serial'No. 282,606.

To all' whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, An'rHUnn H. THIBAULT, a citizen of the United States, anda'resident of Valparaiso, in

the county of Porter and State of Indiana, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Pneus matic-Spoke Wheels, of which the following is a full,

clear, and exact description.

Vaccomplish by cushioned spokes, which'pneumatically communicate with each other, and by a sectional rim,

the supporting part of-which may yield towards the i axis of the wheel while the remainder retains its circularity, and by other features substantially as hereinafter fully described and ias particularly pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings, Figure l is a side view of a wheel embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is a view of the hub of said wheel, halt' in plan and half inv longitudinal central section. Fig. 3 is a view showing `said hub halt' in side view and half in transverse section. Fig. Lt is a longitudinal central section of one of the spokes drawn to a larger scale. Fig. 5 is a longitmlinal section of a segment ofthe rim of the wheel drawn to the same enlarged scale. Fig. G is a plan view thereof. Fig. 7 is a side vieW of the same. Fig. 8 is a plan view of one of the rim sections. Fig.v 9 is a view looking at one end of the same. Fig. l() is a side view thereof. Fig. ll

is a transverse section of said rimsection taken on dot v ted line ll-Il, Fig. l0. Fig'. l2 is an end view of the end of the same opposite that shown in Fig. 9; Figs. 13

v and 14 are perspective views of the broken away endsof ,jl of the wheel, and is, preferably made of metal, and

has about its center of length, a circumferential flange that is provided with a series of equidistant corresponding spoke-'openings o, inits' periphery. The bottoms of these spoke openings'o are connected by a.. circular passage m and are provided with integral screw-threads that are engaged by the male threadsof,

the inner ends of the tubular section or cylinder a of the spokes, which are preferably reinforced by inserting perforate plugs Il therein as shown. The outer portions of the spokes consist of pistons 1v, whose outer extremities 1' are bifurcated and are secured to the sectional rim of the Wheel, as will hereinafter be more fully described, and whose inner portions enter the outer ends of and have longitudinal recip'rocal play in the spoke cylinders a. The extremities of the pistons w within the cylinders are provided with piston-heads consisting of a metal sleeve E screwed thereon and a packing X of leather or other suitable material surrounding and interposed between thev same and the walls of the cylinder a of the spoke. Surrounding the piston next the pistonhead is an expansible packing V of rubber or other suitable material the outer circumference of which is, preferably, provided with a concave depression surrounding it between its ends, and between this packing V and the outer end of the cylinder' the piston 'w is provided with apompressionsleeve T, which is of such diameter as to have sliding contact with the inner. circumferenceof the cylinder,

and is preferably slightly more than twice the length v of the packing V. The outer ends of the cylinders dare closed by caps S, which are provided with a i pistons w reciprocate. n

The rim of: the 'wheel consists of a number of segments f, f,.each corresponding in length to the distance between the outer endsrof the spokes'and have their ends pivot-ally connected by a Vtransverse pin Y. 'The outer circulnference of these segments comprises two corresponding longitudinal flanges which form a continuous concave channel in which the rubber tire D is seated substantially as shown inthe drawings. `The inner circumferential -part of each segment consists of a fiat fellyf2, the transaxial planev of which isl midway between the flanges forming the concave seat for the tire of the' Wheel. 'lhis felly portion of'each segment is bifurcated at one end and is reduced in width at the other end, and when the wheel is assembled these fellies are arranged end to end so that the reduced end of each felly will be between the bifurcations of the next fe1ly,`and the joint thus made is placed between the bifurcations of the outer ends of the pistons w and the said parts connected by the .transverse pin Y, which latter extends through the openings u in the ends of said fellies. 'lhe ends of the flanges forming the channel in which the tire is seated corresponding to the bifurcated end of the felliesI are extended forward slightly beyond the rounded end edge of said bifurcations and are given an overhanging curve as shown, and the o'pposite yend edges of said yHanges are cut away back from the adjacent end of the felly portion and curved the obverse of that given the opposite overhanging .end

edges. 'When a joint comes in contact with the roadway traveledA by the wheel the ellies move slightly faces oi the opposite extended endsof said fianges, so

that the joint will not be increased in width at this point, and so that said joint will be free to yield iuwards vbut not outwards. In order to prevent interiercuce with this'inward movement 1 also cut away or bevel the ond edges o the bottom oijthe channels in which the tire is seated, as shown at P.

In Figs. i5, 16, 17, 18, and 19, of the drawings, I

show means for bracing and eounteracting the lateral4 strain on my improved wheel which I prefer to use7 but which may be dispensed with, it desired.4 These means comprise a bearing socket 2 surrounding the pistons w, which rests upon the` outer ends oi the gland-nuts U oi the cylinders a, in which bearing-balls 3 are placed, and held by the cup 4, which latter is adjustably held in piace by the nut 5. The sides of the sockets are provided with lugs 6, 6, projecting therefrom diametrically opposite each other, and stay-spokes 'l having their outer ends secured to said lugs t3, and their inner ends headed on 'the inside of suitably shaped cups 8, which latter are interiorly threaded to enable them to be adjustably secured to screw-threaded studs 9 projecting radially from a band 10 shrunk upon or removably seated in a stepped portion of the hub k,

`substantially as shown in .the` drawings.

'In operation, when-the weight sustained by my improved wheeiis great, or the path traveled thereby is rough and uneven', or beset with obstacles, the portion of the tire and rim coming in contact with the road yields, and the pistons supporting such portion move back longitudinally into their cylinders until the compressed air therein prevents their further movement. As the air is compressed by the inwardly moving pistous the-atmospheric compression is imparted' to the air-chambers of all of the cylinders a through the medium otthechanneim connecting their sockets and thus the effect ot the air compression is felt by all the spokes, andrby exerting an outward -force upon them, keeps the remainder of the wheel circular. In order to 'till the air-chambers of the cylinders of the spokes with compressed-air I. have-provided the flange of the hub in which the spoke-sockets are made with a suitable iu-take valve Q, which communicates with the channel m and can be operated by an ordinary bicycle pump. Should the spokes commence leaking and the compressed-air therein escape, I avoid the possibility of the wheel collapsing by placing coiled expansion 'springs Z in the air-chambers of the'cylinders a be- 4tween the piston-heads and plugs H substantially as sho'wn in the drawings.

It will be understood that the maximum normal circumference oi therim is always maintained within a circle struck from' the center of the hub as an axis and having its radius equal to substantially` one-haii the diameter oi said wheel, and under no circumstances during the revolution ofthe wheel is therim permitted to extend beyond this maximum circumference.

I do not desire to confine the use of my invention to movement oi' which is confined within the maximum normui circmnicrencc of the wheel, and pneumaiicniiy cushioncdspokcs each consisting of telescopic members und a4 packing interposed between the head of the inner member und the closed end o't' ihe outer member.`

2. A wheel comprislngn sectional rimuthe outer circumference of which is, provided willi u conc'nvc channel and the inner circumteentiul portion of which consists ot n single iiange, the outward movement of which is conlined within the maximum normal circumference of.' the wheel, und pneumutically cushioned spokes euch consisting ol telescopic members and a packing interposed between theV Y head ot' the inner member and the ,closed end ot' the outer member.

3. A wheel comprising telescopic pneumutically cushioned spokes, anda sectional rim, euch section'of which is provided with a concave channel the walls of which at one end overlap those of the nextl section vand at Ythe other end nre overlapped in like manner.

4. A wheel comprising telescopic pueumatically con nccted'cushioned spokes, and a 'sectional rim, each section of which is provided with a concave channel the walls Yot which a t one end overlap those of the next section and at the other cud ure -overlapped in like manner.

Tv. A wheel 'comprising a' hub, spokes each comprising u tubular portion secured at one end to'snid hub, afpiston telcscoplcally connected to the'same and a packing interposed between the head of said piston and the free c'nd ot said tubular portion, and a. sectional rlm secured` to the outer ends 'of sold pistons and contined within the maximum circumference of said wheel., v

(LA wheel comprising a hub, spokes each consisting of and confined within the maximum circumference of said l wheel.

7.A wheel comprising a hub, spokes eacli consisting of' u tubular 'portion 'secured Aatl one end Ato said hub which are pneumatically connected, a'pistontelescopically con` nected to the saine and a' packing interposed between the head ot said 'piston and the free end pf said tubular portion, and n sectional rim'secured to the outer ends of i said pistons and confined within the maximum circum- `ferenceof said wheel.

8. A wheel comprising n hub, spokes each'consisting of a tubular portion secured at one end to said hub, and a' piston telescopically connected to the same, and a'sectional rim the joints o( which overlap and articulatewith the outer ends of said pistons, the outward movementot said riml being confined within the maximum normal cir-A cumference of the wheel.

I). A wheel comprising a hub, spokes each consisting of a tubular portion secured at one end to said hub that are pneumaticoily connected, a piston telescopicaily connected to the same, and a sectional rim the joints of which overlap and articulate with the outer ends df said spokes', the outward movement of said rim being confined within'the maximum normal circumference of the wheel.

10. A wheel comprislnga hub having, pneumatically connected spoke openings therein, spokes each consisting of a tubular portion secured at one end 'in said'openings,v

a. piston telescopically connected Ato the same and a packing interposed between the head of said piston and they free end of said tubular portion, and a sectionalurim the joints of which articulate with the outer end s of said pistons and confined within the ,'maximum circumference ot said wheel.

11. A .wheel comprising a hub having pneumaticaliy connec'ted'spok openings therein, spokes -ench consisting of a tubular' portion secured-at one end in said openings, a piston telesco'pically connected to the same and a packing interposed between the head of said piston and the connectedwith the rim, one of which is tubular and re scarsa? vfree end of said tubular portion, and a sectional rim the '13. wheel comprising a huh, spokes each consisting of a tubular portion secured at one end to said hub, a piston telescopica1ly 'connectod to the same and a packing interposed between the head of said piston and the freeend of said tubular portion, means connected to said hub through which said pistons move -for relieving the lateral-strain' thereon, and av sectional rim secured to the outer ends of vsaid pistons andvconined within the maximum circumference of said Wheel.

14. A wheel comprising a hub, spokes each consisting ci a tubular portion secured at one end to said hub, and a piston telescopically connected to thesame, means connecting said hub and the outer ends of the tubular portions ot the spoke through which said pistons move for relieving the vlateral strain, thereon, and asectional rim secured to the outer ends `of said pistons.4 v

Y15. A wheel comprising a hub, 'spokes each consisting of a tubular portion secured at one end to said huh, and a piston telescopically connected to the same, ball-bearing means connected to said hub'through which said pistons move'for relieving the lateral strain thereon, and a sec tional rim secured to the outer ends of said pistons.

16. A wheel comprising a hub, spokes each consisting of a `tubular portion secured at one end to said hub, and a piston .telescopically connected to the same, ball-hearing means -connecting said hub and the outer ends of the tubular portions of the spoke throughwhich said pistons move for relieving the lateral strain thereon, and a sectional rim secured to the outer ends of said pistons.

17. A vehiclewheel 'comprising a hub, a surrounding rim comprising a plurality of jointed sections and formed to provide a seat for a tire, said rim maintained circular within the maximum normal circumference of the wheel, and spokes extendingv from the hub to the rim, each spoke comprising a section connected with the hub and a section ceives the other, and a packing in said tubular sectioi interposed between the free end thereof and the head of the other member through which the latterreipi'ocates, .and means whereby a body of-air under pressure may be introduced in said tubular'section.

18. A vehic1e-wheel comprising a huh, a surrounding exible rim having circumferentially-separated, defined joints of' flexure the outward movement of which is maintained within the maximum normal circumference of fthe wheel, and spokes extending from the hub to the rim, each of said spokes being made of: two sections, one attached to the hub and the other to the rim, at least one of said spoke-sections being made tubular to receive the other,' and a packing in said tubular section interposed between the free end'thereof and the head of the other member through which the latter reciprocates, means for admit- `ting air under pressure to said tubular sections, and' stuffing-boxes for preventing the escape of alrrfromv said tubular spoke-sections.

19. A- vehicle-wheel comprising a hollow-hub, a surrounding flexible vrim having circumferentially separated deiined points of flexure the periphe1y`-oi;` said rim being maintained within the maximum normal circumference of the wheel and formed to`provide an annular tire-seat and spokes extending from the rim to the hub, each spoke being made'of two sections, one attached to the rimand the other to the hub and communicating withvthejnterior thereof, the inner spoke-sections being made tubular and.

receiving the outer spoke-sections, and a packing in said tubular section interposed between the free end thereof` and the head of the other member through which the latter reciprocates, and means for admitting air under pressure to the hollow hub.

20. A vehicle-wheel comprising a hub, a surrounding rim comprising a plurality of short curved sections hinged' together at their adjacent ends to constitute a circular rim, the periphery of which is confined within the maxi- `mumnormal circumference of the wheel, and 'spokes'connected eaclh-l at its outer end with one section oi.' the rim and at its inne;` endwith the hub, each of said spokes comprising two telescopic sections, at least Vone'oiwhich is tphular, and a packing in said tubular section interpoesedbetweeuthe free-end thereof and the head of the other members through which the latter reciprocates, andvmeans for admitting air under pressure to said tubular spoke-sections.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my. hand this Y26th day of September, A. D., 1905.

ARTHUER H. THIBAULT. Witnesses: A AMosA. SToNE BURNER, FRANK D. THoMAsoN. 

